There are cinephiles in this world, yes, and there are Hollywoodphiles.

Many people are both. One is about pure film love while the other casts a fascinated and affectionate spotlight on the tribulations and triumphs of Tinseltown.

People who count themselves in both categories typically boast a lifelong passion for one performer in particular. We speak of Marilyn Monroe, an all-in actress who worked with directors like Billy Wilder and John Huston and blazed a hard-to-forget, talent-plus trail through every project she touched.

And we speak of Marilyn Monroe, a star among stars who tried to keep her private life private even as legions of fans could describe every photo she was in and every appearance she made.

She remains that rarest of luminaries some 52 years after her untimely passing. Tuesday, Aug. 5 is that anniversary, and, as is tradition, Monroe mavens will gather at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary, the burial site for the icon, to pay fond tribute.

The museum is currently featuring an exhibit dedicated to the actress, but, please note: It's closed Tuesdays.

If you can't make the remembrance you can still remember, as there are myriad ways around Southern California to honor the legend, all year long. The much-discussed 26-foot-tall Marilyn sculpture has now left Palm Springs, but you can find Ms. Monroe's films playing in vintage cinemas around town (and frequently on Coronado Island, where "Some Like It Hot" was filmed, in part).

The Westwood Village Memorial Park is open to visitors 8 a.m. to dusk and flowers are very often left by fans for the actress.

And a trip through Hollywood? It's hard to walk a block down the boulevard and not see Ms. Monroe's sunny visage on posters and postcards.

Actors do graduate to icon status from time to time but, thus far, in all of movie history, there's only been one Marilyn Monroe.